I've never done a bootcamp, but you would probably be better served taking a few intro to programming classes at your local community college, better yet, take a whole semester of classes since you have a lot of free time. Look into CIS/MIS/Applied CS, those are geared towards more practical programming than theory. Not only would it be cheaper, but the learning experience would probably be better too. I would certainly include a SQL/database class as well. Most of what programmers know, they learn by doing, "on the street," so think of a few projects you wanna do and build them too.
Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
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Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#22Why not go into a Sales Engineer role? I hear those make bank and some devs even move into it.
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#23This is also something I've considered -- for folks who think the best path is self-directed learning, any recommended resources/platforms to begin on?
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#24Yes. If you truly have a desire to learn programming, you'd be far better off rationing your cash to extend your runway and doing self-guided instruction. Perhaps consider building a product that leverages your existing sales knowledge and use that as the project to teach you how to code.
I tend to agree.
OP, if your motivations are largely economical, you're probably best off leveraging your existing skillset and experience. Sales is a very valuable skill, and engineering/tech, while valuable in isolation, truly shines when applied to a domain. Building your own product while learning how to code could propel you forward in your current field.
On the other hand, if this is something with a more intrinsic motivation behind it (which it sounds like it could be the case given your post) then it might be worth considering doing the "slow" path. Have you looked into community college courses that you might take nearby? This might allow you to work your learning into the other obligations in your life. I chose a similar path (my original background was in consulting/sales) after I realized I loved the subject of computer science. I really benefited and appreciated a more formal academic setting. Funnily enough, I discovered this love after building my own product. (Which was terribly constructed, but a great experience!)
In the end to truly achieve a high level of proficiency takes time. I'm coming up on six years and only recently feeling exceedingly competent.
Remember that no bootcamp or university "owns" the knowledge and satisfaction of programming, it's out there accessible for anyone willing to put in the time. =) You'll have to have a deep look at your motivations and decide what is best for you. For me, learning programming and computer science was one of the best things I ever did.
This article is a classic and might be a nice read for you: https://norvig.com/21-days.html
Edit: Another great resource to self-study: https://web.mit.edu/6.001/6.037/sicp.pdf
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#25I know a few people who have been unemployed since July and October due to being laid off. Some of them found jobs but not others. That's 6+ months of searching.
Given you're not in financial distress I would suggest spending a few weeks or a month learning without a bootcamp to see how you like it. For example https://cs50.harvard.edu/x/2024/ is often referenced as a good intro to programming and web development course and it's free.
If you still like it after that then either continue self learning or try to find a bootcamp that has a good deal around employment like you only have to pay them after you land a job or they have a really strong system around helping you find employment.
I'm pretty sure the market for hiring junior / beginner developers right now is going to be brutal, bootcamp or not. Jobs are weird though, there's so much luck involved around being in the right place at the right time. If programming is something you really want to do, being prepared for that type of scenario is of course worth it.
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#26Right now it would be a pretty bad idea, the job market is quite Bad right now and if you're going to spend your one "New Bootcamp Grad" opportunity, wait until the market improves.
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#27I used to teach at a boot camp and it can be really good if you choose the right one. In person full time showed the best results vs online and part time. You can do all the same learning on your own but the bootcamp accelerates the learning and a good one will also help you with a job with networking and interview prep.
How long ago did you teach and what school?
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#28Learn things that computers cannot do.
Re: Ask HN: Would doing a coding bootcamp be a horrible idea?
#29Do you want to learn to program?
You need to know your own learning style, and then compare it to what a bootcamp would offer - would that work for you? Or would you need one on one coaching? Or could you just read tutorials and ask on StackOverflow? Or should you do a course somewhere? It's really a matter of what you know would drive you, personally, and then - if appropriate - finding a reasonable bootcamp and sticking with it.
Also, definitely don't assume that programming is some magic profession with Google-2020 salaries for all and very little output required - even Google isn't like that anymore. It's just a job, so you need to reflect a lot on if it's actually a job you would want to do all day for years.
On the other hand, don't over-analyse - if you decide "yes, I could do that for years" and then change your mind, that's fine too.